If your home was built before the 1940s, there's a good chance your chimney was constructed without a clay tile liner. Whatever type of chimney you have, keeping the flue free of damage is critical for safety. But when repairs are needed, should you install the new chimney liner yourself or call a professional? Here's what you need to know before deciding.Read More

Planning to install a chimney liner? Don't overlook the insulation. While skipping it might save you a little money upfront, proper chimney liner insulation delivers major benefits in safety, efficiency, and long-term maintenance costs. Here's why insulation should be a non-negotiable part of your chimney liner design.Read More

If you have a wood burning fireplace inside your home, you can probably do some simple things to your fireplace and chimney to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Some of these are free and will give you an instant return on your time investment, while others can cost a bit of money.Read More

Not all chimney liners are created equal. While clay tile, cement, and aluminum are common materials, stainless steel offers unique advantages that make it one of the most popular choices for homeowners today. Here are seven benefits of installing a stainless steel chimney liner.Read More

A fireplace that doesn't draw well isn't just annoying — it's a safety hazard. Poor draft leads to wasted fuel, creosote buildup, smoky rooms, and even dangerous carbon monoxide levels. Here's what can affect your chimney's draft, and how to fix it.Read More

Cozy fires are one of winter's greatest pleasures — but your fireplace might be quietly wasting energy and polluting the air. Here's how to enjoy your fireplace while cutting fuel costs and reducing your environmental impact at the same time.Read More

Most homeowners don't think about their chimney liner — until something goes wrong. But by then, small problems can turn into serious safety hazards. Here's how to know when it's time to install a new chimney liner and why it matters for your home's safety and efficiency.Read More

If you have a wood burning fireplace, a fireplace insert, or a woodstove, you may be curious to know what is the best firewood to use. The simplest answer is that you should use the driest, best seasoned wood you can get. Dry wood will burn more completely than green wood, resulting in a hotter fire with less smoke. A cold, smoky fire that comes from using unseasoned wood will make more creosote build up in your chimney liner than you would have with dry firewood.Read More

There are a lot of animal lovers out there who enjoy watching the birds and squirrels play around in their back yards. Then, there are those who like animals but curse the squirrel that keeps getting into the bird feeder. There are also those who would rather not have anything at all to do with these critters.Read More

Snuggling up in front of the fire on a cold winter night can be like a tropical paradise sometimes. Nothing feels better than your fingers, toes and nose thawing out in front of a natural fire. However, if the proper safety is not taken when using the fireplace and chimney, then things can go wrong; quickly.Read More